Mists of Pandaria: Archaeology Preview

Archaeology is getting a major overhaul in Pandaria: Blizzard listened to feedback from Cataclysm and implemented a bunch of improvements. Among other changes, you can teleport to digsites, get more digs per digsites, and fight mobs that drop archaeology fragments.

We've got a list of improvements below, as well as a look at The Lorewalkers and all the archaeology solves in Pandaria after the cut.

Archaeology Improvements

You get six digs at a Pandaria digsite, instead of three as usual.

The resulting item is not a white that turns into vendor trash. Instead, it is turned into a crated box--which stacks!

These crates can be redeemed with the Lorewalkers. It's not implemented yet, but there's been talk of the Lorewalkers providing your character with more dialogue and cut-scenes about the artifacts you bring to them.

Boxes of archaeology fragments for each race have been added. Perhaps you will be able to turn in fragments you don't want for a more useful type. All of these crates require 600 skill.

The Lorewalkers

The Lorewalkers are a faction that really enhances Archaeology--you'll bring completed artifacts to them and learn more about the lore. They've got a lavishly-decorated library in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, presided over by Lorewalker Cho.

At the Lorewalkers, you'll be able to train archaeology, turn in artifacts for Valor Points, and turn in artifacts to Lorewalker Cho. This last part is not yet implemented.

You'll also be able to collect statue fragments around the world (under Exploration achievements) and gain reputation and unlock additional lore (example: Heart of the Mantid Swarm, tied to Heart of the Mantid Swarm). This aspect of the Lorewalkers deserves a feature on its own, but in the meantime, we have a great user guide covering all the accessible books and statues for this achievement.

There is an introductory NPC and quest at your faction's hub in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms:Scrollmaker Resshi, The Lorewalkers: The Lorewalkers will send you to explore significant areas of Pandaria to recover cultural artifacts.Once you find all the artifacts that belong to a collection, you will be able to hear the entire story from start to finish.Find all the artifacts and collet all the books to become a Lorewalker!If this sounds interesting to you, then you should speak to Lorewalker Cho at the Seat of Knowledge.

Pristine versions of several artifacts have been added: Pristine Mogu Coin. Perhaps they'll give bonus information with the Lorewalkers.

Mogu Solves

Petrified Bone Whip (Petrified Bone Whip): This whip was fashined from the spine of some large and ancient creature. The blood of many Mogu slaves were shed by this instrument of pain.Terracotta Arm (Terracotta Arm): "When the Mogu had exhausted their options for enslaved mortal warriors, they turned their attention to creating armies of animated constructs to do their fighting for them. Because these terracotta warriors would sometimes sit dormant for centuries, it is hard to pinpoint exactly when this one was constructed or used. However, scoring at the base of the severed arm indicates that it was felled in combat."Anatomical Dummy (Anatomical Dummy): An anatomical dummy of a Pandaren. It was used to document torture techniques.Cracked Mogu Runestone (Cracked Mogu Runestone): "Unlike ""lesser races"" that need schooling in the arts of magic, the ability was innate in the Mogu. From what is known about Mogu usage of magic, it is clear that their magic users did not fall into known categories, such as mage or warlock. Special emphasis was placed on flesh-shaping or spirit-capture magic. The strange residue of the magic that was imbued in this stone is difficult to understand by the modern races of Azeroth. Curiously, some of the markings around the rune resemble the Titan language."Edicts of the Thunder King (Edicts of the Thunder King): "This code of laws, written in the unified language of the first empire, has been carefully chiseled onto the stone tablet. At the top of this list is the command that sedition, insurrection and rebellion be punished by public evisceration."Iron Amulet (Iron Amulet): "This huge iron amulet weighs as much as a battle axe. Mogu warriors often wore ""jewelry"" such as this as a demonstration of strength."Manacles of Rebellion (Manacles of Rebellion): "Forged of iron and imbued with spells of subjugation and pain, these manacles with inward facing spikes were forced onto the slave races of the Mogu. While the spells have long since faded, their cruelty still sends chills down your spine."Mogu Coin (Mogu Coin): "This currency was used during the reign of mogu emperor Wai, who is depicted in all his snarling glory. The reverse of the coin depicts the changing of Mogu dynasties, a bloody process wherein the previous regime must be overpowered and executed. In many ways, ancient Mogu government was a meritocracy, based on brutal strength and terrible cunning."Quilen Statuette (Quilen Statuette): This statuette, carved during the brief reign of Mogu emperor Kang, was part of an experiment to bind Quilen servants in small stones. This experiment was abandoned as the Quilen thus bound were greatly diminished in power and thus deemed unworthy.Thunder King Insignia (Thunder King Insignia): "The symbol of a crown and crossed lightning bolts emblazon this jade emblem. It was a badge once worn by soldiers of the first Mogu emperor, Lei Shen."Warlord's Branding Iron (Warlord's Branding Iron): "This branding iron emblazoned with the symbol of a minor Mogu warlord was used not on cattle, but on enslaved humanoids."Worn Monument Ledger (Worn Monument Ledger): "Even with powerful magic at their disposal, the Mogu often preferred to use slaves to build their massive monuments. This ledger documents the cost, in slaves, during the construction of one such monument."

Pandaren Solves:

Spear of Xuen (Spear of Xuen):"Crafted during the Zandalari Troll Wars, this imposing spear is surprisingly lightweight and flexible. Its lacquered wooden shaft is gouged with deep scars, though the tip appears completely unscathed. Judging by the length of this weapon and its date of origin, you presume it was a mounted weapon intended for use from the back of a flying serpent. Scratched into the weathered handle is a note: The only opponent is yourself. Xuen, the White Tiger, is legendary for his ferocity and prowess in battle. It is at his temple, high in the mountains of Kun Lai Summit, that hopeful warriors temper their strength with discipline."Umbrella of Chi-Ji (Umbrella of Chi-Ji): "The delicate paper canopy of this tall bamboo umbrella has been miraculously preserved since its making some time during the lengthy Thunderpaw dynasty. The underside depicts a blanket of jet-black storm clouds, while a glorious crimson sun adorns the top. Inked in elegant calligraphy across the clouds is a short message: Hope is the sun behind a stormy sky ever in the heart, but veiled to the eye. Chi-Ji, the Red Crane, has stood as a symbol of hope for the Pandaren for centuries. His ornate and glorious temple is perched in a vicious jungle south of the Valley of the Four Winds."Apothecary Tins: (Apothecary Tins): "A complete set of brass apothecary jars, with neatly engraved labels, meant for the storage of a complicated array of powerful medicinal herbs. Although the exact use of most of the herbs remains a mystery, a plaque on the box containing the tins identifies the physician as Yao Firmpaw, a name still associated with health and wellness in the Valley of Four Winds because of his spectacular career. Yao never married, legend has it because his heart was forever broken."Carved Bronze Mirror (Carved Bronze Mirror): "While the glass itself is long gone, the reverse of this mirror is an elaborately carved bronze disc depicting the Red Crane of Hope. An inscription reads, To my dearest Lin / My beauty, my dove / This picture of perfection / Your reflection / My love - Yao"Pandaren Game Board (Pandaren Game Board): "Pandaren love games. Chang Ki in particular has been a favorite among the Pandaren since the time of the first Pandaren emperor. Unfortunately, many of the pieces in this ancient set have been lost."Empty Keg (Empty Keg of Brewfather Xin Wo Yin): "The heart-shaped spigot to this cask reveals it to be an artifact of the late great Brewfather Xin Wo Yin, "The Brokenhearted." Generations ago this renowned Brewfather created "Heartswell Brew," a concoction that infuses the drinker's entire being with a profound sense of warmth and wellbeing. It was said that Xin Wo Yin so loved the product of his art that he wept tears of heavy sorrow over every keg that left his brewery. It's likely that he wept over this very keg. Being that it's empty, you feel a little morose yourself."Gold-Inlaid Figurine (Gold-Inlaid Porcelain Funerary Figurine): "Commissioned at the time of the death of a loved one, figurines such as this one help the grieved overcome their loss. This statuette depicts a beautiful young Pandaren Lorewalker named Lin. The inscription indicates the she succumbed to a terrible fever that swept through the Valley of Four Winds during the short reign of the Hozen Emperor Rikktik."Pandaren Tea Set (Pandaren Tea Set): "The Pandaren have a rich history of tea. While much care is given to its brewing, the secrets to properly enjoying tea have always been equally valued. This simple tea set was made during the reign of the Mogu, and provided solace and respite to the owner during a time of great pain and tyranny. Although it is cracked and broken, it serves as a reminder to take comfort in the simple pleasures of life."Pearl of Yu'lon (Pearl of Yu'lon): Etched around the center of this orb of jade is a serpent eating its own tail. Inscriptions on either hemisphere read: 'There is but one certainty - every end marks a new beginning.' This orb, carved during the reign of Pandaren Emperor Shu Blindeye in honor of the Jade Serpent, is a representation of the his rebirth into a new body every hundred years. Yu'lon still bestows wisdom and insight from his temple in the Jade Forest.Standard of Niuzao (Standard of Niuzao): "A spool of thick canvas that, when held aloft, unfurls to reveal a proud emblem of the Pandaren Empire. Heavy iron rings dangle from long ribbons of leather affixed along the bottom, pulling the banner taut. Stitched into each strip of leather is a reminder for the standard-bearer: Fear seeks to diminish you instead, let it reveal you."Twin Stein Set (Twin Stein Set of Brewfather Quan Tou Kuo): "A matching set of drinking steins, made of ebony and jade. Brewfather Quan Tou Kuo, "The Two-Fisted," sought to mitigate the side effects of strong drink by creating the perfect duality of brews. When imbibed together in the proper ratios, the Pale Ale of Spirit and the Dark Stout of the Mind combine in the drinker's stomach to achieve a state of enlightenment and goodwill without the loss of judgment and self-control so often experienced by less refined brews. Sadly, the Brewfather's secrets have been lost to time, but these lovingly crafted steins serve as a permanent reminder of his expertise."Walking Cane (Walking Cane of Brewfather Ren Yun): "A long cane tipped with a head of carved whalebone, once used by the enigmatic Brewfather, Ren Yun. Blind since birth, Ren Yun's other senses were heightened. As a result, he found the brews of his time to be harsh or bitter. Years of experimentation allowed him to perfect four perfect brews that appealed to each of his other senses. And yet, the one brew that would appeal to all four senses at the same time eluded him. It was only at the end of his long life that he perfected the one master recipe, The Four Senses Brew, that was the most magnificent discovery of his generation. Sadly the recipe was lost to time, because Ren Yun's handwriting was pretty much illegible."

Comments

Comment by Hanterx

This looks good! Archology is the best 2nd profession, and a fun way of exploring the game. Just hope that you wont need to be lvl 90 to learn 525+

Comment by Mcspazatron

on 2012/06/15 14:55:17

big

Comment by Masteradept

on 2012/06/17 05:16:29

Excellent changes!

Comment by Sarilyn

on 2012/06/18 10:09:18

These changes look good. Tables will be flipped if they only apply to Pandaria digs, though.

Comment by zinseng

on 2012/06/19 12:23:22

I'm on a PvP server, so I think it's going to be interesting to teleport to a digsite and end up on top of an Alliance character currently surveying or in combat with a Sha.. I wonder how this will affect world PvP, if at all. Right now most people don't bother cause they're in the midst of a grind with Arch, I wonder if they'll be more inclined to engage.

Comment by Interest

on 2012/06/20 16:01:58

I'm on a PvP server, so I think it's going to be interesting to teleport to a digsite and end up on top of an Alliance character currently surveying or in combat with a Sha.. I wonder how this will affect world PvP, if at all. Right now most people don't bother cause they're in the midst of a grind with Arch, I wonder if they'll be more inclined to engage.

It'll be a good way to build dem reflexes =P

Comment by babbles2102

on 2012/06/24 07:10:13

I am getting really excited about all the changes Mists is bring - what I really want to know is a release date so I can at least know how long I have to wait...

I think these changes to Archaeology are great - and like most people have said I hope they apply the changes to current dig sites as well as Mists digs.

One thing did confuse me - I like that we can hand in our common artifacts for Valor - that is awesome. However what will happen with rare drops - I assume they will still give fun items, pets, mounts etc... - how will that work with the hand in thing? Sorry if this is a silly question - I am just curious.

Comment by ednerid

on 2012/07/24 16:38:57

The way I read this, you have to be exalted before you can buy the lodestone or the map. Will that mean you won't be able to use either of them while you are doing the heavy amount of travel involved with leveling? By the time you are exalted, won't the bonus be moot for most people?

Comment by Derubinaroth

on 2012/07/24 17:12:41

A friend of mine toldme that these "Lorewalkers" would also like completed artifacts of non-pandaria archaeology factions. So I started looking for every artifact I could find and now my bank is filled with completed archaeology finds. My question is: Do the Lorewalkers also accept non-Pandaria archaeology finds in their library?(if it is a library)

Comment by Adamsm

on 2012/07/24 17:14:27

A friend of mine toldme that these "Lorewalkers" would also like completed artifacts of non-pandaria archaeology factions. So I started looking for every artifact I could find and now my bank is filled with completed archaeology finds. My question is: Do the Lorewalkers also accept non-Pandaria archaeology finds in their library?(if it is a library)

Nope, Pandaren artifacts only.

Comment by Derubinaroth

on 2012/07/24 17:18:54

Thanks. This does mean that I have some extra gold.

Comment by Tenjen

on 2012/07/25 04:56:09

I really like the icons coming in MoP.

Though i also see we have another pleasant icon to look at *stares down panderan female statue*/male

Comment by Chibchub123

on 2012/08/10 02:11:01

Looks great! :)

I'm glad to see they're still implementing the teleport and randomize options, even if it is a 30 minute CD.

Yeah, well from what I've seen and heard... I hope you play the TCG if you want those.

Comment by stikz

on 2012/08/20 21:54:18

no mounts. Boo.

Comment by Wombat62

on 2012/08/21 00:24:38

deleted .

Comment by Hamor

on 2012/09/12 11:50:35

This looks amazing! I re-joined with the free pre-pandaria 7 days of time and poked archeology for a day. Got 3 rares and love the increase in dig sites and frags per site! (Still didn't get a single rare in 20 solves for Tol'Vir, which has 5 rares left, but I *did* find the mount pattern on my Alch, so it's not all bad).

I sincerely hope what this post implies about the amount of lore and interesting things coming isn't just hearsay. A truly interesting archeology profession on its own is enough to get me interested in coming back.

Comment by pytor

on 2013/03/13 13:34:03

On my archy map it says kypari vor dig site unknown?I have updated add on, but still says it?